Volume: 5, 2026
5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.A017
Published online: 22 April 2026
Influence of work type and breed on heavy metal levels in search and rescue dogs’ hair
Klaudia Kaliszyk* and Justyna Wojtaś
Department of Animal Ethology and Wildlife Management, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 13 Akademicka St., 20-950, Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: klaudia.kaliszyk@up.edu.pl
Search and rescue (SAR) dogs work in varied, often challenging environments that may expose them to heavy metals. These elements are present in soil, water, and dust, especially in post-industrial or disaster areas. Long-term exposure can cause neurological disorders and damage to organs such as the kidneys, liver, and immune system.
This study evaluated how work type (open field vs. disaster) and breed affect concentrations of selected heavy metals (Cu, Co, Cd, Fe, Zn, Pb, As) and selenium (Se) in the hair of SAR dogs. Hair samples were collected non-invasively from the interscapular region of 34 rescue dogs. Element concentrations were measured using laboratory methods, and data were analyzed in Statistica 13.3 PL at p≤0.01 significance.
The highest mean concentrations were observed for copper, followed by lead and zinc, while the lowest values were found for selenium, cobalt, and cadmium. Significantly higher concentrations of most analyzed elements were found in the hair of dogs working in open field conditions compared to those working in disaster environments; no significant differences were observed only for arsenic and cadmium. No significant effects of sex or neuter status on the levels of the analyzed elements were found. In contrast, breed had a significant effect on the concentrations of selected elements, particularly Cu, Se, and Pb, with the lowest values observed in retrievers.
Keywords: hair analysis; heavy metals; non-invasive biomarker; search and rescue dogs
How to cite
Kaliszyk K., Wojtaś J., 2026. Influence of work type and breed on heavy metal levels in search and rescue dogs’ hair. In: 5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.A017